Spike in cell phone thefts in Surrey
Posted January 27, 2013 11:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – There’s a warning for people, especially students in Surrey, because there has been a spike in cell phone thefts recently. “Simple steps like trusting your instincts and being aware of your surroundings will help reduce the risk of being a potential victim,” says Surrey RCMP Corporal Bert Paquet.
He’s encouraging parents to use this opportunity to remind their kids to be safe.
Paquet says you should try and be discreet when using your phone and use some common sense. “So, we’re definitely not saying, ‘Do not use your phone in public,’ because thousands of times a day this is done without any incident. We’re just saying be smart about where you use your phone.”
Police think the high cost smartphones and iPhones is likely what’s motivating thieves because they can then sell the items online. “If you agree to buy your cellphone; doing it at 11 p.m. in an alley is probably an indication the phone you are about to purchase might be stolen or related to some criminal activity.”
This is not the first time a local jurisdiction has run into this problem. A few months ago there was a jump in thefts in both Vancouver and Abbotsford.
If you have any information about cellphone thefts in Surrey you are asked to call the RCMP Robbery Section at 604.599.0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS.
Safety tips
*Avoid using your phone on the street in full view. If you do have to use it, be discreet
*Take note of the serial number of your phone and keep it in a safe place
*Consider software that will remotely locate your phone using built-in GPS
*In the event you are robbed of your phone report it immediately to the police and contact your network provider so they can disconnect and prevent any unauthorized calls or texts
*If arranging to meet with an unknown person for the purchase or sale of an item avoid meeting in a secluded area and choose a safe public place where other persons are around
